Join us for our annual meeting on Wednesday, September 27th in the Council Chambers at City Hall!

Along with a buffet lunch, networking time and Board elections, we are hosting keynote speaker Dionne Baux who is the Director of Urban Programs.

As Director of Urban Programs, Dionne leads the initiative to broaden the Center’s offerings and engagement in urban neighborhood commercial districts. Dionne has over a decade of experience in project coordination in the fields of urban economic development and commercial district revitalization. She has extensive expertise engaging community stakeholders, identifying and implementing projects in conjunction with community based organizations, government institutions, and real estate development, as well as supporting capacity building opportunities.

Previously, Dionne served as Senior Program Officer for Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Chicago where she managed economic development initiatives for the Chicago office, developed and led the award winning Business District Leadership program and the nationally recognized Smart Communities demonstration. Dionne also served as a Financial Planning Analyst for the City of Chicago’s Department of Community Development. Dionne holds a master’s degree in public administration from Roosevelt University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The annual meeting is $17 for Main Street members and $20 for non-members. Registration starts at 11am, buffet lunch at 11:15, and presentations at 11:45.

City Hall is located at 100 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Metered street parking is available or you may use the parking structure at County and Clayton Streets.

We look forward to having you join us at the meeting and in all our future projects!

Downtown Waukegan will be BUSY during September ArtWauk on Saturday, September 16th from 5pm – 10pm! Along with fantastic art displays in the galleries and shops, four special events are taking place.

First, Mayor Sam Cunningham invites everyone to the first Mayor’s Blues Night, a free Blues show with two stages and six bands from Chicago, the home of the Blues. The main stage for the event is Stern’s Plaza, 37 S. Genesee Street and the secondary stage is Madison Street Courtyard, 111 N. Genesee Street. Bring a lawn chair to sit and watch – or get up and move to the groove!

And, since you’re eating good, think about bringing non-perishable food items for Catholic Charities’ Hunger Auction Food Drive. The food pantry needs to be stocked and you can help. Non-perishables and financial donations are greatly appreciated.

Topping off the “above the bluff” fun is Shredfest 2017, in and around The Burgundy Room at 215 Washington Street. Shredfest is a 100% DIY celebration of skateboarding art, music, and culture. It is open to skateboarders of all ages, genders, and abilities-EVERYONE is welcome. If you want to set up a table to sell your crafts, photos, records, skateboards, or whatever DIY stuff you’re into-bring it on! BYO table. This is NOT the kind of event you go to and WATCH – it’s the kind of event you go to to PARTICIPATE! Some come out and skate, cook, rock out, sell stuff, take pictures, show your videos, make new friends, see old ones, and be a part of a truly unique night! The fun kicks off at5-9pm with Free Skate; Jazz Alley Art Show; BBQ; DJ’s; and PHOTO CONTEST! It continues with LIVE ROCK from 9pm-2am inside The Burgundy Room for those 21+.

Now, if all of those activities are not enough to tingle your senses, The Harbor’s Edge and Greater Waukegan Development Coalition are hostingFiestas at the Harborat 175 N. Harbor Place directly east of downtown. Fiestas at the Harbor will feature bands from Mexico, ballet folklorico, and Grito, a re-enactment of the battle for Mexican independence which will take place at 7:45 on Friday, September 15th. Fiestas at the Harbor runs Friday, September 15th through Sunday, September 17th.

We would love your feedback on these events as well as any suggestions you may have for new events in our Main Street District.